Eleanora Mae (Proctor) Ashby

In Loving Memory of Eleanora Mae (Proctor) Ashby

April 5, 1934 - November 21, 2025

Reflections Of A Life Well Lived

Eleanora Mae (Proctor) Ashby was born to Edith Beatrice and Roger St. George Proctor on April 5, 1934 in Point Of Rocks, Maryland. She was affectionately known as Ellie.

As a first grader, Ellie walked over four miles to school and over four miles home. She lost her father and baby sister by the age of thirteen. After those devastating losses, Ellie told everyone that she was going to be a nurse to help and care for people. She graduated from Lincoln High School and pursued her dream.

She wasn’t accepted by any Maryland nursing programs. Undaunted, Ellie applied to out of state nursing schools and was accepted by the Jewish Hospital of Nursing, Brooklyn, New York. She thrived and excelled at college, It was a new world to the little country girl! She saw Broadway plays and went to Brooklyn Dodger baseball games. She was even acquainted with the great Jackie Robinson! They chatted after baseball games.

Ellie began her nursing career at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore as a labor and delivery nurse. She was a highly skilled nurse and instructor. Eventually she went to Lutheran Hospital as Head Nurse of Labor and Delivery. After several supervisory positions; Ellie’s leadership, superior knowledge and professionalism culminated in being the Director of Nursing at Lutheran Hospital. During her journey she went back to school and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Mount Saint Mary’s University in western MD. While she was respected by superiors, her priorities were patient care and the success of her nurses. After creating the position of Director of Patient Advocacy (a position that never existed before), and dutifully getting it off the ground, Ellie retired from nursing.

She ran a successful landscaping business and was a licensed arborist in Maryland. Ellie and John eventually settled in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She made new friends but remained close to her old friends. Ellie was a devoted member of Christ United Methodist Church and was very active in her community as well.

Our Mother loved and cared deeply. She was devoted to God, family and friends. Ellie was smart, beautiful, funny and she could be fancy, but she never forgot her roots. She enjoyed the beach, fishing, cooking, and crafting. She loved to bake and decorate for Christmas. She was very proud of her family.

Ellie is preceded by John L. Ashby (Husband) and Mark E. Ashby (Son). She is survived by her children Tanya (Larry) Krieger, Dawn Caldwell, and Eric (Lailah) Ashby-Bey. She leaves many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews to mourn. The family wishes to express sincere thanks for the love, kindness and comfort during our season of loss. God’s Blessing to all. In lieu of flowers please donate to Together We Rise, Inc. (a nonprofit youth mentoring program). Donations are tax deductible. The mailing address is Together We Rise, Inc. 3915 McDonogh Road Randallstown, Maryland 21133 or Zelle: togetherwerise@gmail.com

Eleanora Mae (Proctor) Ashby’s Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held;

Date: April 11, 2026

Time: 12pm. to 3pm.

Location: Edward F. Fry Memorial Library at Point of Rocks

1635 Ballenger Creek Pike

Point Of Rocks, MD. 21777